Lactate Threshold Exam

Question 1

What does a Lactate Threshold test show?

Answer 1

Measures the point at which lactate accumulates in the bloodstream.

It is a build up of H+ ions, the blood cannot clear them quick enough.

Question 2

Why do we need a Lactate Threshold test?

Answer 2

It is a performance marker.
The longer you can work without the build up of H+ ions the longer you can go.

Better indicator of performance than V02 max.

Question 3

What energy systems are involved in the Lactate Threshold test?

Answer 3

ATP-PCR System → Anaerobic Glycolysis

Question 4

What is the definition of Lactate Threshold?

Answer 4

The highest oxygen consumption or exercise intensity achieved with less than 1.0mm/L increase in blood lactate concentration above the pre-exercise level.

Question 5

Describe the lactate turnpoint

Answer 5

An increase in blood lactate of greater than 2mmol/L from the previous exercise intensity.

Question 6

What is Blood Lactate Accumulation (OBLA)

Answer 6

When blood lactate concentration systematically increases to 4.0mM. However, It doesn’t occur for everyone at 4.0mM per litre. You might ask them to run at 4.0mM per litre for long intervals in order to train it.

Question 7

What is the ventilatory threshold?

Answer 7

The point where the pulmonary ventilation increases disproportionately relative to increases in oxygen consumption.

Question 8

What equipment do you need in a Lactate Threshold test

Answer 8

• Lactate meter
• Lactate test strips
• Gloves
• Blue paper
• Anti bacterial wipes
• Lancet Needle
• Treadmill/Monark Bike (Ergometer)
• Stopwatch x 2 One for backup
• RPE
• Fan

Question 9

What do you need to do pre-lactate test

Answer 9

• Explain what’s involved.
• PARQ
• Witness to sign the PARQ

Measure:

• Participant - Weight, BMI, Height.
• Room - Temp, pressure, humidity
• Take pre-exercise Blood Lactate levels.

Question 10

What do you need to do in the warm up?

Answer 10

Running: warm-up at 3-5 mph at a fixed gradient of 1% for 5 minutes.

Cycling: cycling at 30 to 100W for 5 minutes.

Question 11

What happens during the test?

Answer 11

Running:
Running speed or power output of the ergometer is fixed for 4 minute periods at a fixed gradient of 1%.

2 mins 30 and 3 mins record: HR and RPE

3rd minute ask the participant to straddle the treadmill - Take Lactate measurements.

Increase speed after each 4 min period by 1 kph

Stop the test after blood lactate has raised 2.0mm\L above previous measure.

Bike
Power output of the ergometer is fixed for 4 minute periods

2 mins 30 record: HR and RPE

3rd minute take Lactate measurements, participants can stay on the bike.

Increase speed after each 4 min period by 20 watts.

Stop the test after blood lactate has raised 2.0mm\L above previous measure.

Question 12

What happens post test?

Answer 12

• Slow the treadmill belt or reduce the required power output on the cycle ergometer
• Ensure that the participant is feeling well (i.e., is not at risk of fainting or vomiting).

Participant should then remain on the treadmill or bike to cool down at a self- selected pace for as long as desired.

• The participant should be monitored for signs of nausea or fainting (e.g., ashen
  face) for approximately 5 minutes during cool down.

Debrief on their results

Question 13

What are the normative values?

Answer 13

• At rest: 0.8-1.5 mmol/L
• It begins to accumulate around 50-55% Vo2 max in most people.
• Trained endurance athletes perform steady-rate aerobic exercise at intensities between 80-90% of VO2max;